'A Most Violent Year' to Open AFI Fest

J.C. Chandor's new film stars Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac

J.C. Chandor’s A Most Violent Year will have its world premiere as the opening night film at AFI Fest on Nov. 6. The film stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain as a couple living in the crime-ridden New York City of 1981. Also starring Albert Brooks, David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, Elyes Gabel and Catalina Sandino Moreno, Year will be released by A24 on Dec. 31.

"J.C. Chandor has put together a remarkable crime drama, which is also an immersive period piece and morality tale that resonates on an emotional level. Chandor is a talented director who takes risks with every film that he makes and A Most Violent Year is no exception," said Jacqueline Lyanga, AFI Fest director.

AFI Fest will run from Nov. 6 to 13 in Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. As previously announced, Sophia Loren will be honored with a tribute on Nov. 12. The full festival lineup will be unveiled in October.

Co-financed by Participant Media and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Year was produced by Before the Doors' Neal Dodson and Washington Square Films' Anna Gerb, along with Chandor. Executive producers are Participant's Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, Joshua Blum, Kerry Orent and Glen Basner of FilmNation Entertainment, which handled foreign sales.